Kahalia Adams Wins Youth of the Year, $5,000 Scholarship & A NEW CAROver 700 guests and $400,000+ raised for Club kids!

St. Louis, MO, November 10, 2018 – Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) is proud to announce the 2019 Youth of the Year winner is Kahalia Adams! Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive and a signature national youth recognition program that celebrates the recipient’s contributions to their family, school, community, and their Boys & Girls Club. The winner was announced at the Great Futures Gala, the largest fundraising event for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis which raised a grand total of over $400,000 and met its “fund-a-need” goal of $120,000+ that same evening.

Kahalia, age 17, is a junior at Parkway North High School and has been a member of BGCSTL Herbert Hoover Club for ten years. In addition to winning the Youth of the Year title and honor to represent the Club as a Teen Ambassador, she won the Wanda and Michael DeHaven Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year scholarship in the amount of $5,000. And, a Honda Accord courtesy of Frank Leta Automotive Group!

During her speech given at the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year, the Great Futures Gala, held on Friday, 11/9 at the Chase Park Plaza, Kahalia reflected on the impact the Boys & Girls Clubs had on her life, saying, “Being a member gives me the opportunity to be around like-minded individuals who aspire to be more than their current situations. The Club impacted my life tremendously by giving me a controlled environment to thrive in. I believe that my divine purpose involves leading my generation by example; while setting the tone for the youth and the elders by carrying myself with the respect and dignity I expect from others. These things would be unattainable for me without the guidance of the Club. The Club has not only shaped me into the young lady I am, but it is grooming me for the type of women that I want to become. ”

Now that she’s won the honor, Kahalia plans to fulfill her purpose and use her voice to positively influence young people across the nation. Once she graduates from high school she plans to attend her dream college, Jackson State University. Kahalia was selected from a group of four finalists who shared their stories of outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence and commitment to living a healthy lifestyle at the Great Futures Gala.

“The Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to lead, succeed and inspire. All of the honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at the Boys & Girls Clubs. We are so proud of all of this year’s participants who took the time to complete a challenging yet worthwhile process. All possess the ability and ambition to be successful, and, should be recognized for their leadership, service, academic achievements and commitment to live a healthy lifestyle,” said Dr. Flint Fowler, President, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis.

Congratulations to all of the Youth of the Year top finishers listed below (pic attached, left to right):
2nd Place Winner, Danielle Kain ($2,500)
3rd Place Winner, Fatuma Euli ($1,000)
4th Place Winner, Jennifer Sandford ($500)
Youth of the Year Winner, Kahalia Adams ($5,000)

YOUTH OF THE YEAR WINNER ANNOUNCED AT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER ST. LOUIS GREAT FUTURES GALA

Michaelmonique Mayo Wins Youth of the Year, $5,000 Scholarship & A NEW CAR

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) is proud to announce the 2018 Youth of the Year winner Michaelmonique Mayo! Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The award is Boys & Girls Clubs signature youth recognition program that celebrates the recipient’s contributions to their family, school, community, and Boys & Girls Club.

Michaelmonique Mayo also won the inaugural Wanda and Michael DeHaven Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year scholarship in the amount of $5,000. And, a Honda Accord courtesy of Frank Leta Automotive Group, also a first for the Club’s Youth of the Year! During her speech given at the organization’s Great Futures Gala & 50th anniversary celebration, Mayo reflected on having to live out of a car earlier in her life – but now she is excited to own one!

As the new Youth of the Year and ambassador for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, this 17 year old Club member is a true example of an extraordinary young woman. Now that she’s won the honor, Michael Monique says, “I want to motivate youth to achieve their goals as well as encourage and set up programs for youth living in poverty.” She is a senior at Roosevelt High School and plans to attend college and major in Photo Journalism.

Michaelmonique was selected from a group of fourteen finalists who shared their story of perseverance and dedication to their family, Club and community before a panel of judges who chose the winner.

“The Youth of the Year honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at the Boys & Girls Clubs. We are so proud of all of this year’s participants who took the time to complete a challenging yet worthwhile process. All possess the ability and ambition to be successful, and, should be recognized for their leadership, service, academic achievements and commitment to live a healthy lifestyle,” said Dr. Flint Fowler, President, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis.

The Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to lead, succeed and inspire.

Congratulations to all of the Youth of the Year top finishers listed below (pic attached, left to right):

Youth of the Year Winner, Michaelmonique Mayo ($5,000)

4th Place Winner, Daija Glover ($500)

2nd Place Winner, Jennifer Sandford ($2500)

3rd Place Winner, Danielle Kain ($1,000)

The Youth of the Year competition included fourteen teenage finalists from various Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis locations (top left to right):

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis is proud to announce our 2018 Youth of the Year Candidates

Meet our 2018 Youth of the Year (YOY) candidates! Fourteen teens are being recognized for demonstrating outstanding leadership in their schools, communities, and Clubs. But only one will be awarded with the highest honor — Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis.

Over the past few months, the journey for these teens has included professional development sessions such as essay writing, personal branding, public speaking and interviewing skills – much of what’s been led by the Friends of the Club, the BGCSTL young professionals group. Many of the “Friends” also signed on the mentor the Youth of the Year candidates throughout the process.

The YOY candidates will participate in one more activity this week, getting them closer to becoming one of the finalists who will present their speech in front of over 600 guests at next week’s Great Futures Gala! By the end of the evening, a deserving teen will be crowned Youth of the Year!

The Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to lead, succeed and inspire.

Meet the Candidates

Adams Park Club

Dezmond McSellers
Age: 16
Grade: 11th
School: Rockwood Summit
Number of Years that you have been a member: 10 years
One word to describe yourself – Determined
Planned College Major: International Business

Daija Glover
Age: 17
Grade: 12th
School: McKinley High School
Number of Years that you have been a member: 11 years
One word to describe yourself – Audacious
Planned College Major: Urban Politics and Law

Heavyn Borroum
Age: 15
Grade: 10th
School: Rockwood Summit
Number of Years that you have been a member: 9 years
One word to describe yourself – Unstoppable
Planned College Major: Psychology/Communications

Saadiq Holsey
Age: 15
Grade: 10th
School: Mckinley High
Number of Years that you have been a member: 8 years
One word to describe yourself – Multi-talented
Planned College Major: Electrical Engineering

Ferguson Middle School Club

Name: Danielle Tene’ Kain
Age: 14
Grade: 9th
School: Mary Institute & St. Louis Country Day School (MICDS)
Number of Years that you have been a member: 6 years
One word to describe yourself – Blessed
Planned College Major: Astro Physics

Herbert Hoover Club

Kahalia Adams
Age: 15
Grade: 10th
School: Parkway North High School
Number of Years that you have been a member: 1 year
One word to describe yourself – Talented
Planned College Major: Anesthesiologist

Aaryn Gardner
Age: 16
Grade: 11th
School: McKinley High School
Number of Years that you have been a member: 10 years
One word to describe yourself – Self-Disciplined
Planned College Major: Vocal Performance and Musical Theatre

Devin Smith
Age: 17
Grade: 12th
School: Cardinal Ritter College Prep
Number of Years that you have been a member: 12 years
One word to describe yourself – Devoted
Planned College Major: Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement

Jennifer Sandford
Age: 15
Grade: 10th
School: Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience
Number of Years that you have been a member: 8 years
One word to describe yourself – Ambitious
Planned College Major: Biology

Jordon Gates
Age: 17
Grade: 12th
School: Career Academy
Number of Years that you have been a member: 12 years
One word to describe yourself – Passionate
Planned College Major: Neurology

Be Great Graduate: Roosevelt High School

Canada Turner
Age: 17
Grade: 12th
School: Roosevelt High
Number of Years that you have been a member: 4 years
One word to describe yourself – Determined
Planned Great Future: Marines

Michael Monique Mayo
Age: 17
Grade: 12th
School: Roosevelt
Number of Years that you have been a member: 4 years
One word to describe yourself – Inspirational
Planned College Major: Photo Journalism

O’Fallon Park Club

Akeylah Lester
Age: 17
Grade: 11th
School: Marquette
Number of Years that you have been a member: 2 years
One word to describe yourself – Humble
Planned College Major: Education

Kenya Johnson
Age: 16
Grade: 11th
School: Clyde C Miller
Number of Years that you have been a member: 2 years
One word to describe yourself – Kind
Planned College Major: Education

EXCEPTIONAL ST. LOUIS TEEN WINS
YOUTH OF THE YEAR HONOR FOR BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER ST. LOUIS

JaLisa Wines Wins Youth of the Year

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) is proud to announce the 2017 Youth of the Year winner JaLisa Wines! Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. A premier youth recognition program, it recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club.

As the new Youth of the Year and ambassador for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, this 17 year old Herbert Hoover Club member is a true example of an extraordinary young woman for her leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle. Now that she’s won the honor, JaLisa says, “I want to motivate youth to achieve their goals by implementing programs that will positively change society.” She is a senior at Confluence Preparatory Academy and plans to attend Truman State University to become an Accountant.

JaLisa was selected from a group of eleven finalists who shared their story of perseverance and dedication to their family, Club and community before a panel of judges who chose the winner. In addition to being crowned the title at BGCSTL’s Great Futures Gala, she also received a $2500 scholarship.

“The Youth of the Year honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs. We are so proud of all of our Youth of the Year participants who took the time to complete this challenging and worthwhile process. All possess the ability and ambition to be successful leaders,” said Dr. Flint Fowler, President, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis.

Congratulations to all of the Youth of the Year top finishers listed below:
2nd Place Winner – Michael Monique Mayo; 3rd Place Winner – Aaryn Gardner; 4th Place Winner – Kayvion Calvert.

GREAT FUTURES START HERE: EXCEPTIONAL ST. LOUIS TEEN WINS
YOUTH OF THE YEAR HONOR FOR BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER ST. LOUIS

Shaila Jones Wins Youth of the Year

St. Louis, MO, November 16, 2015 – Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis is pleased to announce the winner of our 2016 Youth of the Year competition, Shaila Jones. She was selected among six other member contestants who shared their story of perseverance and dedication to their family, Club and community at the Great Futures Gala held Saturday, November 14, 2015.

As the new Youth of the Year and ambassador for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, 14 year old Shaila is a true example of an extraordinary young woman and is being recognized for her sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community. Now that she’s won the Youth of the Year title, Shaila says, “I want to change the way youth view life. I want to make sure they know their lives matter and that we can change the world.” She is a sophomore at Metro High School and plans to attend college and major in Psychology.

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. A premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as overcoming personal challenges and obstacles. Youth of the Year encourages Club members to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles and contributing to their communities. Youth of the Year honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs.

“The Youth of the Year award represents the culmination of the personal, academic, social and civic development realized by Shaila Jones. We are so proud of all of our Youth of the Year participants who took the time to complete this challenging and worthwhile process. All possess the ability and ambition to be successful leaders,” said Dr. Flint Fowler, President, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis.

For more information on how the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis is helping our community, visit www.bgcstl.org.

About the Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) is to inspire and enable youth ages 6 to 18 to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. For nearly 50 years, BGCSTL has been providing after-school, teen, sports and summer programs to youth in the St. Louis area while also providing a safe place for them to learn and grow. The Clubs now serve St. Louis youth at six locations (Adams Park Club, Ferguson Middle School Club, Herbert Hoover Club, O’Fallon Park Club, Hazelwood Southeast Middle School Club and Twillman Elementary School Club) and within several other schools (including Normandy High School and Roosevelt High School) and through our Mentor St. Louis Program. We are also a proud member of the United Way of Greater St. Louis.

Eric Davis is our 2015 BGCSTL Youth of the Year runner-up from the Herbert Hoover Club. Eric is a senior at Cardinal Ritter College Preparatory High School. He is a cordial young man who displays outstanding citizenship. This past quarter he earned second honors for his academic performance. Eric is extremely active in the community, providing service as a tutor, mentor, and assistant staff to the young boys and girls at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis – Herbert Hoover Club. Eric’s cousin and best friend was Michael Brown who was shot by a Ferguson Police officer in the summer of 2014. In his cousin’s honor, Eric is currently working with other Club leaders and the St. Louis City Police Department to develop workshops that create positive dialogue between youth and local law enforcement. Eric has been a member of the Club since he was 6. Eric Davis is a very special young man with vision focused on commitment and excellence.

Youth of the Year encourages Club members to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles and contributing to their communities. Youth of the Year honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs.

“The Youth of the Year award represents the culmination of the personal, academic, social and civic development realized by Eric Davis. We are so proud of all of our Youth of the Year participants who took the time to complete this challenging and worthwhile process. All possess the ability and ambition to be successful leaders,” said Dr. Flint Fowler, President, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis.

GREAT FUTURES START HERE: EXCEPTIONAL ST. LOUIS TEEN WINS YOUTH OF THE YEAR HONOR FOR BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER ST. LOUIS

Maya Jones to Now Vie for State Title and Scholarship

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis is pleased to announce the winner of our 2015 Youth of the Year competition, Maya Jones. She was selected among three other member contestants who shared their story of perseverance and dedication to their family, Club and community.

As the new Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, 15 year old Maya is a true example of an extraordinary young woman and is being recognized for her sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. A premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as overcoming personal challenges and obstacles. Youth of the Year encourages Club members to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles and contributing to their communities. Youth of the Year honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs.

“The Youth of the Year award represents the culmination of the personal, academic, social and civic development realized by Maya Jones. We are so proud of all of our Youth of the Year participants who took the time to complete this challenging and worthwhile process. All possess the ability and ambition to be successful leaders,” said Dr. Flint Fowler, President, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis.

Maya Jones is a sophomore at Soldan International High School and achieved a 3.5 GPA during her first semester of the school year. She has been a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis – Adams Park Club since she was eight years old. Maya also represented the Adams Park Club during the 2014 Walgreens Expressions Challenge where she helped write and direct the film “It’s on Us” to address the need to prevent teen suicide. Maya’s team won 2nd place and a cash award. Maya plans to pursue a degree in Zoology and explore opportunities to save endangered species when she graduates from Soldan in 2017. As the new ambassador for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, Maya will now advance to compete against other Boys & Girls Club members from across Missouri for the state Youth of the Year title April 14-15, 2015.

This prestigious award is our organization’s highest local honor, rewarding leadership, service and academic standing. Alexandrea “Alex” Rucker was a Senior at Lindbergh High School when she achieved this honor and had a 3.68 grade point average. She has been a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis – Herbert Hoover Club since the age of 11. She started at the Club during summer camp after moving into the neighborhood. Alex served as a member of the Junior Staff Program and worked with the younger members in the Education department. Alex is currently attending SIU Carbondale where she is pursuing a degree in Social Work.

Amanda Richardson has been a member of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis – Herbert Hoover Club for 3 years. A senior at Beaumont Career and Technical Educational High School, her first semester grades put her on Platinum Honor Roll with a GPA of 3.6. Amanda’s favorite class is writing, which is taught by Mrs. Tillman who inspires her students to write from their own personal experiences. Amanda enjoys writing because it gives her the opportunity to express her feelings and thoughts. She is currently enrolled in a culinary class that is preparing her to reach her goal of becoming a “Top Chef.” Currently, Amanda is interning at Lester’s – a popular St. Louis restaurant. Amanda is very passionate about learning to cook healthy meals and intends to add that skill to her resume. In the fall of 2013 Amanda will attend Dillard University in Louisiana, where she will study and earn a dual degree in Social Work and Culinary Art.

At the Club, Amanda serves as treasurer of the Keystone Club and is responsible for the tracking of daily earnings and expenses from the Keystone Concession Stand. Amanda takes this responsibility very seriously because she knows that her peers and staff are placing great trust in her. She is currently working with fellow Keystone members to raise money for traveling expenses to Atlanta for the 2013 National Keystone Conference. Amanda has participated in SMART Girls activities since joining the Club because she felt it was a wonderful opportunity for her to share her story with her peers and give them healthy advice. Amanda wants her peers in SMART Girls to be positive leaders and role models for younger female members of the organization. “The Herbert Hoover Club is a place I call home,” explains Amanda. “It is a place to get away from all the harmful things that surround me in my community. Any day I’m not at the Club I know that I can potentially face gun violence, drug deals, robberies, and even death.” Consequently, Amanda considers the Club her home away from home.

When asked to describe how the Youth of the Year program has helped her Amanda said, “This process has been just like what I believe the Boys & Girls Club wants to do for us. I’ve been encouraged by staff and even my peers. They all have really inspired me and I now I believe in myself, I believe I will be successful.”

Watch her story:

EXCEPTIONAL ST. LOUIS TEEN WINS
YOUTH OF THE YEAR HONOR FOR BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER ST. LOUIS

JaLisa Wines Wins Youth of the Year

St. Louis, MO, November 14, 2016 – Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) is proud to announce the 2017 Youth of the Year winner JaLisa Wines! Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. A premier youth recognition program, it recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club.

As the new Youth of the Year and ambassador for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, this 17 year old Herbert Hoover Club member is a true example of an extraordinary young woman for her leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle. Now that she’s won the honor, JaLisa says, “I want to motivate youth to achieve their goals by implementing programs that will positively change society.” She is a senior at Confluence Preparatory Academy and plans to attend Truman State University to become an Accountant.

JaLisa was selected from a group of eleven finalists who shared their story of perseverance and dedication to their family, Club and community before a panel of judges who chose the winner. In addition to being crowned the title at BGCSTL’s Great Futures Gala, she also received a $2500 scholarship.

“The Youth of the Year honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs. We are so proud of all of our Youth of the Year participants who took the time to complete this challenging and worthwhile process. All possess the ability and ambition to be successful leaders,” said Dr. Flint Fowler, President, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis.

Congratulations to all of the Youth of the Year top finishers listed below:
2nd Place Winner – Michael Monique Mayo; 3rd Place Winner – Aaryn Gardner; 4th Place Winner – Kayvion Calvert.

For more information on how the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis is helping our community, visit www.bgcstl.org.

About the Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) is to inspire and enable youth ages 6 to 18 to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. For nearly 50 years, BGCSTL has been providing after-school, teen, sports and summer programs to youth in the St. Louis area while also providing a safe place for them to learn and grow. The Clubs now serve St. Louis youth at seven locations (Adams Park Club, Ferguson Middle School Club, Grannemann Elementary School Club, Herbert Hoover Club, O’Fallon Park Club, Hazelwood Southeast Middle School Club and Riverview Gardens Club) and within several other schools (including Normandy High School and Roosevelt High School) and through our Mentor St. Louis Program. We are also a proud member of the United Way of Greater St. Louis.